Walk for Support: Donna’s tribute to her dad
Donna lost her Dad, John Lawton, to a brain tumour in 1992, when he was aged just 58. He had to cope with many years of illness due to his diagnosis, but Donna says ‘he never lost his sense of humour, his love of life and his beautiful, beaming smile.’ In March 2025, Donna paid tribute by walking 58km, and this year, she took on another 58km Walk for Support in loving memory of her Dad.
Donna’s story
In 1992 we lost my lovely Dad to a brain tumour. He was unfortunate to have had a few tumours over the course of approximately 25 years meaning several operations which also lead to him losing his hearing. He was a wonderful man with a big heart and a big smile, he was loved by everyone who met him.
Despite struggling for those many years with illness, he kept going and never complained.
He adored my Mum, my sister Mandy and myself, and everything he did was for us. He and my Mum met and fell in love when she was a redcoat, she was from Dublin and he was from London. A beautiful couple inside and out.
My sister was a baby when he got his first diagnosis, I wasn’t even born. He went on to have several more operations until the final one in 1992. He had fought so hard and it was time for him to rest. Taken far too soon at only 58, my Mum was left heartbroken as were my sister and I.
Your charity is so important to people because it offers support not only for sufferers of this horrible illness but also their families, something my Mum didn’t have.
She had some absolutely amazing friends who looked after her and my Dad’s brother was fantastic taking us to visit Dad in his car so we wouldn’t have to get the train to Barts in London. She had that love and support, but not the support and advice that Brain Tumour Support offers. What you do is invaluable.
Last year I pledged to walk for my Dad and for all the individuals and families who have been affected by brain tumours. The 58km is because my Dad was just 58 years old when he died and the date, 13th March, is his birthday. I was proud to walk again in 2026, in honour of Dad and to raise funds for Brain Tumour Support, so they can help other families facing the impact of brain tumours.
My Dad was the bravest, most selfless man I know and, in spite of everything, one thing he never lost was his sense of humour, his love of life and his beautiful, beaming smile. He was my hero.
Friends and family were so supportive and amazed at the challenges I set myself. What my Dad had to deal with was a challenge, these were just walks!
Donna Naughton
Two very special walks
Donna completed her first incredible challenge on March 13 2025 – setting out at 6.30am and finishing at 7.30pm and then repeated this feat one year later in March 2026. In total Donna has raised £5,489, which will help fund specialist, ongoing support to five families impacted by a brain tumour diagnosis.
If you’re feeling inspired by Donna’s story, we’re inviting supporters to take part in their own Walk for Support. Choose your own distance, location and pace to show your support for those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. Whether it’s a short stroll around your local park or a longer hike, every step matters and every pound raised helps individuals and families we support. Learn more here
